Dun Bharabhat (pronounced 'Varavat') is situated on an islet in Loch Bharabhat on the island of Great Bernera which lies close to the west coast of Lewis.[1] It is to be distinguished from another Dun Bharabhat situated on a small loch near the northernmost point of Lewis.[2]
The broch stands high above the water,[3] and is connected to the shore by a 30-metre causeway.[4]
Description
The building is a D-shaped broch with a wall of uneven thickness.[4] The broch measures 17 metres by 13 metres externally.[4] The walls stand to a maximum height of 3.4 metres.[4] The building is badly ruined, and strewn with rubble. The entrance is on the northwest but cannot be seen.[4] Nevertheless, it is considered one of the best preserved of all the island duns.[3]
A ground level gallery can be seen at the east end of the high wall where an opening shows a small part of it.[4] A stairway is also present in this part of the building.[4] The upper part of the wall contains the remains of two superimposed galleries. The opening of a longitudinal gallery or cell running northeast from the entrance can still be seen at the west end of the high wall.[4] The intramural galleries are evident from the shore.[3]
References
^Ritchie, J N G (1998). Brochs of Scotland. Shire Publications. p. 52. ISBN0747803897.
